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Enlarge ImageRequest to buy this photoDAVID ZALUBOWSKI | ASSOCIATED PRESSColorado’s Todd Helton rounds first base on the way to a double, his 2,500th career hit. Helton, 40, is the 96th major-league player to reach the milestone.

DENVER — Reds manager Dusty Baker was asked shortly after a 7-4 loss to the Colorado Rockies
whether the four-game series with St. Louis that begins today was critical.

After he had some time to think about it, Baker had his answer: “The only time it’s critical is
when you’re in critical condition in the hospital.”

Fair enough. But it is safe to say that the Reds’ hopes in the National League Central are
nearing the serious stage. Yesterday’s defeat capped the third straight series loss for the Reds,
during which they have lost six of their past nine games.